Urban Greening Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Greening Fellow at Tree San Diego

Location: San Diego, California

Number of Positions Available: 4

Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Monday - Friday, approximately 9am - 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development.  This is a hybrid position, onsite 3 days per week.

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.

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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2025-26 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowships—similar to internships—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving hands-on experience in the climate field.

CCAC Fellows are matched with organizations across California to mobilize communities to take direct climate action and lead projects focused on wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion and edible food recovery.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July  31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.

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Program Benefits

The Tree San Diego team is fueled by the celebration of environmental program success and the synergy of collaborating with its amazing partners. As a small nonprofit, we are a team built of members that are positive, productive, innovative, and reliable. Urban Greening Fellows historically have a high post-Fellowship placement success rate of over 90%. TSD’s network is rapidly growing and consists of high-profile partners with which Fellows are encouraged to collaborate with through projects, interviews, and high-visibility events like World Athletic’s Street Running Championship and Arbor Day Foundation’s Annual Conference. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $33,600 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 175+ hours of training and professional development
• Receive food assistance via CalFresh (for those eligible)
• Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during the service term*
• Minimum essential healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance* (for those eligible)

Description of Duties

The demand for qualified urban foresters, educators, and tree stewards has never been greater. As city budgets shrink and environmental policies shift, many communities—especially disadvantaged areas—are left without the resources to expand their urban forests. Tree San Diego is bridging this gap through innovative programs like Plan&Plant and Treejectory, which connect urban greening with workforce development to drive real change. These initiatives focus on planting thousands of trees in neighborhoods most affected by urban heat, while also training a new generation of environmental leaders. As an Urban Greening Fellow, you will play a pivotal role in bringing these projects to life. From supporting large-scale tree-planting efforts to co-developing the first-ever Regional Urban Forestry Master Plan, Fellows will help shape the future of San Diego’s tree canopy. This opportunity provides hands-on experience in urban forestry, community engagement, and environmental education while directly contributing to a healthier, greener future for San Diego. Join us in shaping the future of San Diego’s urban forest—one tree at a time. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate large-scale tree-planting, mapping, and monitoring activities to enhance urban greening efforts across San Diego County
• Deliver engaging educational seminars, presentations, and workforce training sessions to equip residents and workforce candidates with urban forestry knowledge and skills
• Organize tree distribution events that provide thousands of trees to communities in need, ensuring proper planting and long-term care
• Collaborate with community leaders, city officials, and partner organizations to align tree-planting initiatives with local climate action goals
• Support the development of the Regional Urban Forestry Master Plan, contributing research, data collection, and strategic recommendations to guide long-term urban forestry planning
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 15, 2025
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Experience in Community Outreach, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, GIS / Mapping, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Tree Planting/Care, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, Access to a reliable vehicle, and Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in American Sign Language, Cantonese, Spanish or Vietnamese is a plus. Other valuable contributions include:

• An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service
• Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change
• Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities
• Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills

About Tree San Diego

Tree San Diego (TSD) is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality, density, and sustainability of the region’s urban forests for the benefit of all communities and the environment. The TSD team collaborates with local and state government agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, tribal communities and businesses to plant the right trees in the right places with the right care. Tree San Diego delivers project impacts and program education through tree planting, tree care, reforestation planning, wood reutilization, community education, reforestation efforts, and workforce development training. More info: treesandiego.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. This is a competitive program and interviews are not guaranteed. CCAC is an equal opportunity Fellowship with a preference for candidates already living in the communities they will serve. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).